High Energy Electrical Systems in Coal Mines

The project deals with the use of high energy electricity on explosion protected equipment in hazardous zones in underground coal mines. It examines the increased demand for energy in production plant as a means to improve productivity. It also examines the present explosion protection methods used in Australia, and the limitations which arise as a consequence of this increasing demand for energy.

The project was completed well within schedule and culminated in a mine-workshop attended by senior representatives of the Queensland Department of Mines and Energy and New South Wales Department of Mineral Resources, SIMTARS and several manufacturers and practitioners at which Mr Reczek distributed copies of the final report and gave a detailed presentation on the project's objectives and outcomes. Principal amongst these were:

• A concern for the need for basic research testing to be conducted to ensure that explosion protected equipment can safely sustain short circuit arcing pressures in addition to the usual gas ignition pressure tests.
• The need to evaluate the possibility of direct ignition of coal dust from non-explosion protected electrical equipment and the development of strategies to minimise or eliminate the risk.
• The development of a code of practice or handbook for mining industry power suppliers.

It is anticipated that as a direct result of this project a Steering Committee will be formed to investigate the integration of standards, regulatory and research matters for both New South Wales and Queensland.